Actor, photographer and emotional storyteller, Oliver Stark speaks with honesty and depth in this exclusive interview for Xmag. “There’s something special about discomfort,” he says. “I don’t often have big emotional reactions in real life, so filming those moments challenges me. But that’s where growth lives.” One such moment came in season 8, when his character Buck breaks down alone in a corridor. “I was nervous, but proud of how it came together. It felt real.”
The season also brought a major shift with the departure of Peter Krause. “He’s been our leader both on and off screen. It was emotional, but I’m excited for him and what’s next.” For Buck, it marks a new beginning: “I think we’ll see him become more grounded, more mature — a different kind of hero.”
Beyond the screen, Oliver is deeply connected to photography, a passion that lets him express what can’t be said. “I fall in and out of love with it, but the joy of capturing a great photo never fades. There’s a magic in freezing a moment that moves you.” His work reveals a quiet sensitivity — portraits, still corridors, fleeting glances — a visual world as nuanced as his performances.
Born in North West London, Stark still considers it home. “I had a loving upbringing. Acting came naturally, but it became a real pursuit at 18.” Though now filming with major networks, he still honours his early days: “Student films were chaotic, but collaborative. That spirit has never left me.”
When asked about fashion, he smiles. “I dress simply. Comfortably. It’s not about trends. But wardrobe in acting matters. Buck’s clothes say a lot — if he’s in a hoodie, you know he’s relaxed. If he’s tidier, he’s trying to project something. The boots always ground me.”
Outside of work, Oliver finds balance through fitness. “I’ve got a great gym community. Training keeps me level, physically and mentally. But I don’t think exercise alone should be your therapy.” And on lighter notes? His ideal summer drink is “watermelon and lime juice — refreshing and simple. Like me!”
He doesn’t chase a legacy. “I just want to do honest work, collaborate with good people and keep learning. If I can be part of something meaningful, that’s more than enough.”
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